Alexandria, Virginia - The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) officially opened the application process for its annual scholarship program this morning.  Interested applicants have until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 15, 2012, to complete the application at www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

“I am very pleased to announce the launch of this year’s online scholarship application,” said Tom McLeod, chairman of the TCA Scholarship Fund and president of McLeod Software Corporation of Birmingham, Ala.  “It offers applicants a convenient way to apply for one of the many scholarships offered to family members connected to TCA member companies.  The number of applicants has been on the rise recently and we expect that trend to continue this year!”

To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

·         Be in good academic standing

·         Be attending an accredited four-year college or university as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior for 2012-13

·         Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an employee or an employee of a TCA member

·         Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an independent contractor or an independent contractor affiliated with a TCA member

·         Show financial need

·         Show scholastic achievement

·         Maintain full-time student status

·         Exhibit high character and integrity

Scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year will range in size from $2,000 to $6,000 and will be awarded in two segments. 

TCA has been offering scholarships through its Scholarship Fund since 1973.  They are awarded without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.  For more information about the program and to fill out the online application, visit www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

TCA is the only national trade association whose collective sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry.  The association represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal container carriers operating in the 48 contiguous states, as well as Alaska, Mexico, and Canada.  Representing operators of more than 200,000 trucks, which collectively produce annual revenue of more than $20 billion, TCA is an organization tailored to specific truckload carrier needs.